Arch strain (plantar fasciitis) or heel pain (heel spur syndrome) is caused by excessive arch flattening. Plantar fasciitis is usually worse after activity and heel spur syndrome is typically worse on first rising from sleep or rest. These conditions are both effectively treated with foot orthoses.

Forefoot Pain

A swollen, enlarged nerve between the knuckles of the forefoot (a neuroma) is a frequent cause of forefoot pain. Neuromas are caused by injury, too narrow shoes, or excessive arch flattening.

Capsulitis (metatarsalgia) is an inflammation of the metatarsal head and joint capsule caused by arch flattening and overloading. Pain, calluses, and corns result. Foot orthoses are most successful in their treatment.

Knee Pain

Excessive arch flattening causes increased internal rotation of the leg and kneecap leading to cartilage wear and ligament sprain. Treatment with foot orthoses and exercise is usually successful.

Lower Back Pain

Flat feet cause abnormal twisting forces to be transferred from the foot up the lower extremity into the pelvis and low back causing muscle and ligament stress. Foot orthotic therapy can reduce these forces and decrease back symptoms.

Fungal Nails and Athletes Foot

Thick, misshapen, and/or discolored nails are usually caused by a fungal infection. These nails can be effectively treated with topical or oral prescription medication.

Skin infections caused by fungus are common causing itching, blisters, and cracks. The skin is usually treated easily by medications, either prescription or OTC.

Ingrown Toenails

Toenails growing into and puncturing the skin of the toe cause pain and infection. A minor surgical procedure using local anesthesia is needed to remove the ingrown nail. Recurrent ingrown nails often need to be permanently narrowed by another minor surgical procedure where the nail root (matrix) is permanently removed by chemical destruction (matrixectomy).

Foot & Leg Numbness

Tarsal tunnel syndrome causes numbness on the sole due to pinching of the tibial nerve from a collapsing arch. Individual toe numbness can be caused by neuromas. Orthotic therapy is the primary treatment.

Corns and calluses are a painful thickening of the skin caused by skeletal deformities or tightly fitting shoes. These areas can breakdown and ulcerate causing infection and amputation when diabetic numbness (neuropathy) is present. This skin buildup is easily removed in the office without discomfort.

Arthritis of the hands, hips, and spine can make it impossible for many to provide their own routine foot care. This service is provided in the office at a reasonable cost.

Warts & Corns

The papilloma virus (HPV) causes these painful skin growths. These transmissible lesions are easily treated with a minor surgical procedure or by the patient with medication and home treatment.

Corns are caused by excessive pressure and friction. Routine trimming, shoegear changes, special accommodative innersoles, or removal of underlying bone spurs are among the treatment options.

House Calls

These appointments are available for housebound patients who need routine and other types of foot care.

What is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a doctor of Podiatric Medicine who has completed four years of podiatric medical school and at least one year of hospital residency training.

A podiatrist can treat surgically or conservatively all soft tissue on or connecting to the foot and bones of the foot and ankle.

Functional foot orthoses are prescription custom-made foot supports made from a plaster cast of the patient's foot. They are used to prevent pathologic foot collapse and maintain the foot in its most natural position. Most of the orthopedic foot problems are caused by excessive foot collapse (pronation) and are successfully treated with foot orthotic therapy.